Devon Levi arrives in Edmonton under Mike Babcock with something to prove, and his comments about Buffalo carry a clear edge.
After spending all of last season with the Rochester Americans, Levi was acquired by the Edmonton Oilers from the Buffalo Sabres on July 1 in a deal involving an exchange of 2028 draft picks.
Now 24, Levi isn't hiding how badly he wanted another NHL opportunity. Edmonton may carry three goaltenders, but that uncertainty isn't bothering him.
"I don't mind that at all. I don't care," Levi told The Gazette. "My job is to keep the puck out of the net when I'm playing and called upon."
That response alone sounded like a goalie ready to compete. His comments about Buffalo went further, especially when discussing his long stay in Rochester.
"I feel like I've done my time (in the AHL), experienced what I need to," Levi said. "I've had tremendous growth the past season and a half."
Devon Levi makes his Buffalo frustration clear
The strongest line came when Levi described what being kept away from the NHL did to him mentally. It didn't sound like someone looking back fondly on the Sabres' decision.
"Being held back really lit the fire inside," he said. "If I'm going to be one of the best goalies in the league, it's going to happen. It's just a matter of time."
Levi played 39 NHL games for Buffalo over three seasons before spending 2025-26 in Rochester. He responded there with a 2.83 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage across 52 games.
He acknowledged that the AHL time helped his development, but his wording again showed how badly he wanted out of that situation.
"I feel like I definitely did need the games in the AHL," Levi said. "I spent a year and a half getting NHL game-ready."
Edmonton gives him the opening he wanted. Frederik Andersen and Tristan Jarry are also in the crease, meaning Levi won't simply be handed starts.
But after feeling "held back" in Buffalo, Levi sounds ready to make the Sabres watch from a distance.
"I feel more ready than I've ever been," Levi said. "I just want to play."
Did the Sabres hold Devon Levi back for too long?
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